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Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Your Dog Separation anxiety is a big problem for many dog owners. For dogs with separation anxiety, being left alone can result in destructive and panic-like behavior. They often display extreme distress and behavior problems such as destructive chewing, constant barking, digging/scratching at doors, windows or carpets, urination or defecation etc. It is not uncommon for dogs with severe separation anxiety to destroy thousands of dollars worth of home furnishings. Some have even been known to go through windows or glass doors in an effort to be with their owner/person. How do you know if your dog suffers from separation anxiety? The following are signs that your dog could possibly be suffering from this disorder: - He displays extreme agitation and anxiety when you are about to leave the house. Things like grabbing your keys or your coat trigger him to display this agitation. - When you are at home, your dog follows you everywhere and never seems content to be on his own. He wants to be near you at all times. - For the most part, your dog only engages in inappropriate behavior when he is left alone. For example, when you are home your dog rarely barks. But when the two of you are separated and he is left alone, the barking may be constant due to his anxiety. As another example, your dog may be fully housetrained. But when left alone he urinates or defecates in the house. - When you arrive home after a separation his greeting behavior is frantic and overly enthusiastic. Dogs are pack animals and as such it is normal for them to want to be around you and your family. But most dogs are also content to be left alone for periods of time. A dog that doesn't suffer from separation anxiety will often just sleep or rest when left alone. But as stated above, a dog who does suffer from this anxiety is engulfed with panic any time they are left alone or separated from their person...even if just for a few minutes. How can you help your dog overcome this anxiety when you are separated? Here are a few tips that I have personally used to help one of my dogs overcome their anxiety: 1. Make sure to give your dog a lot of daily exercise and socialization. A tired dog is usually a good dog! Before you leave the house, take your dog for a long walk or a romp in the dog park. He is less likely to be destructive if he is tired. 2. Start slow and practice the "sit and stay" command. Here are a few examples. Have your dog sit and stay in a separate room from you for only a few seconds at a time in the beginning. You can slowly work up to longer periods. Also, leave your dog outside while you are inside, again slowly working up to longer periods. Do not wait until they become very agitated. The trick is to show them that you will return and so there is no need to panic. Do not make a big deal when you bring your dog back in with you. Act like it's no big deal! 3. Leave the house quietly and come home quietly. When you do need to go out, do not make a big production out of it. Vary your routine a bit so that your dog does not start to panic when he notices clues to your leaving. For example, walk around with your keys or coat for a good hour before you leave. When you come back, ignore your dog for a few minutes. Again, you are acting like it is no big deal! Do not lavish him with attention as this will only add to his panic and frantic behavior. A pat on the head after a few minutes of ignoring him is enough. You should start off slow...maybe only a walk around the block first. It may take some time before you are able to leave for extended periods without him suffering from anxiety. You want him to see that you will always come back and that your leaving is no big deal. 4. Provide a safe place for your dog when you are away. Dogs are naturally den animals and so need to feel safe and secure. Provide a nice comfy dog bed in an area that he can call his own and where he will feel comfortable and safe. 5. When you are away, give your dog something to do to keep him busy. There are interactive dog toys and treat filled dog toys on the market today that can keep your dog busy for hours. 6. Leave some of your clothes lying around him so that he can smell you and therefore be put more at ease. An old sock or t-shirt should do the trick. In a sense, they will feel like you are with them. 7. For dogs who suffer from extreme separation anxiety you should consult with your veterinarian. There are some anti-anxiety drugs on the market today that can help to reduce his anxiety and panic. No one really knows exactly why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety. It is definitely a difficult problem to deal with and should not be taken lightly. But, with training and patience your dog can absolutely overcome his anxiety and fear at being separated from you. If you are nervous about doing the training yourself, consult with a qualified trainer who can help you.
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